What to do in Athens when you have two days
For brand new visitors or people who’ve visited the Greek capital lots of times, Athens is a fun and lively city that always has something new waiting to be discovered. Most people visit in summertime on their way to the islands. Here is the ultimate short guide to 48 hours in Athens. There are some absolute essentials (the Acropolis, anyone?) to a couple of handpicked favorites.
Athens Must-Sees
As we mentioned if you only have time for one thing in Athens make it the Acropolis and New Museum. If you can spread your time a little more, then there are many other great attractions and museums worth checking out, from the Benaki Art Museum, the Panathenaic Stadium, which was home to the first modern Olympic Games, the iconic building of Academy of Athens (Institute of Arts and Sciences) on Panepistimiou Street or the National Gardens. Most are open from 8 am, so they are worth checking out early in the morning.
Where to eat
Have a bite at Mama Roux, 48 Aiolou Street where visitors can find all manner of trendy café food, from burgers to omelettes and drinks. Mama Roux is also the location of one of the best brunches in the city, take note, you’ll need to book it in advance, but it’ll be worth it!
Best coffee stops
Athenians know how to enjoy their coffee all day long and have at least one favorite spot. Try to have a break after your sightseeing tour at a small café in Plaka, where the coffee is strong, but cheap. You could always hop on the Metro to the Holargos area and enjoy your coffee in the middle of a park at the Piu Verde cafe. You can also check Yiasemi cafe-bistro.
Where to stay in Athens
The best option is to choose hotels in the centre close to Syntagma Square. That way you are close to transport options and lots of things to do. Most are Athens Business Hotels, but you’ll find a handful of boutique ones too. If you’re working on a budget, the Civitel Olympic on Kifisias Street is still close to the centre and has plenty going on nearby.
Visit Sounio
For a short daytrip by the sea, Sounio is a great choice. There you’ll get the chance to admire the magnificent Temple of Poseidon set right on the edge of the cliff. It was built by the ancient Athenians to honour the God of the Sea. Freeze the moment in pictures and then head to one of the original seafront fresh fish tavernas for some lip smacking lunch.
Athens’ crazy Nightlife
Athens, like the islands is well known for its nightlife. Locals have a tendency to party all night long, often continuing until after the sun rises the next day. The Greek ‘kefi’ spirit is everywhere. People want to enjoy life and Athens nightlife is well suited for that. Have a rum cocktail at Baba Au Rum, 6 Kelitiou Street in the centre, or Mamacas nightclub in Gazi, (Kerameikos metro.) For a seriously cool bar with great atmosphere try Ampariza on Kolokotroni Street, close to Syntagma Square. Or simply take a walk, doubtless you’ll meet people of all types enjoying a balmy summer night out.
By Zoe Mouchritsa
